Oil drain pan suggestions
#16
Burning Brakes
#17
I don't jack up the car when changing oil. I use a large open pan like below to catch the oil. Afterwards I transfer it to a sealed container like yours to drop off at the local auto store. It forces me to keep two oil pans but after numerous changes it's been the cleanest solution.
#18
Rennlist Member
I gave up on 'purpose built' oil catchers a long time ago...
My simple, way more effective alternative: Rubbemaid Roughneck 10 gallon tote.
Slim enough to slide under the car, tight fitting lid, I just keep the oil right in the container until I get a chance to get it recycled. Containers are cheap ($8 at home depot), durable, and splash much less than anything else I've seen. Bigger than most of those silly oil pans as well.
Sometimes I'll transfer the waste oil into a recycle jug if I'm putting off a trip to the auto parts store to dump the oil. Even if you transfer the oil every time, the lid on the roughneck makes storing a nasty oil drain pan much easier and you don't have to clean it.
My simple, way more effective alternative: Rubbemaid Roughneck 10 gallon tote.
Slim enough to slide under the car, tight fitting lid, I just keep the oil right in the container until I get a chance to get it recycled. Containers are cheap ($8 at home depot), durable, and splash much less than anything else I've seen. Bigger than most of those silly oil pans as well.
Sometimes I'll transfer the waste oil into a recycle jug if I'm putting off a trip to the auto parts store to dump the oil. Even if you transfer the oil every time, the lid on the roughneck makes storing a nasty oil drain pan much easier and you don't have to clean it.
#19
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks. Simple and effective.
I am going to cut about half of the top out of my Autozone drain pan and then add a screen or mesh over the opening to catch the drain plug if I drop it. I will also purchase a container just for taking the used oil back to a recycler (like the one you posted).
Thanks to everyone for the input. Seems like such a simple need but no good off the shelf solution that can be used for draining and storing/transporting used oil for those of us without a lift.
I am going to cut about half of the top out of my Autozone drain pan and then add a screen or mesh over the opening to catch the drain plug if I drop it. I will also purchase a container just for taking the used oil back to a recycler (like the one you posted).
Thanks to everyone for the input. Seems like such a simple need but no good off the shelf solution that can be used for draining and storing/transporting used oil for those of us without a lift.
#20
But if you happen to drop the drain plug in the catch pan, just use a magnetic pickup tool or magnet on a string to get it out. There will be a big opening to reach in already. The pickup tool keeps your hands clean without the hassle and splashing oil from an added screen.
#21
Burning Brakes
The drain plug from the tank on my GT3 fell right into the hole in my drain pan the other day
5+ liters of oil came dumping out and overfilled all over my uncoated garage floor in less than 15 seconds. Big mess, not the zen DIY experience I aim for.
I just cut a big hole in mine so that when I change the C4S oil I won't have any more problems.
5+ liters of oil came dumping out and overfilled all over my uncoated garage floor in less than 15 seconds. Big mess, not the zen DIY experience I aim for.
I just cut a big hole in mine so that when I change the C4S oil I won't have any more problems.
#22
Then before you cut up your catch basin, why not just put a couple of layers of thick paper towel on it, and a plastic sheet or large garbage bag underneath? The first should stop 95% of the splashing, and the second should catch whatever few drops escape.
#23
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Without the hole cut in the pan, the oil splashes up and get the underside of the engine. I always had to get under there and wipe the bung clean.... my car does not have its own arms to reach around there.
Of course, I did drop my plug into the oil..... magnet thing got it right out.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
Of course, I did drop my plug into the oil..... magnet thing got it right out.
Peace
Bruce in Philly
#24
You need something with a mesh type top vs a solid surface top like this.
https://www.otctools.com/products/lo...fluid-receiver
https://www.otctools.com/products/lo...fluid-receiver
#25
Although I have a lift, the oil liked to go everywhere other in the low profile pan. I finally realized that if I unscrewed the big cap on the end of the pan, the air wasn't trapped in the pan and the oil went splashlessly into it. Make sure you have a pan that holds the 8 qts without the cap on it. I think mine is a Harbor Freight version.